Today my project will be using the latest For Keeps Pretty Packaging Templates. Now I DID want to use our other template of the month: Carry Clutchas I have not shared anything about it yet, but this particular project idea (at least not on my blog-see the store or gallery), just flowed, so I went with it! Sometimes you just gotta go with where inspiration takes you!

I love how it turned out. As stated above I was able to save this for future use, to allow me to quickly print n’ go!

Having created these cards digitally was so quick, fun and easy! Now I don’t have to constantly re-create my designs! If I need/want other colors I just click my paint bucket and change the colors. We often feel that we don’t have the time to make a card, if you digitally create a few cards, you can always find the time to print, cut and go as I did with my cards here today. It quicker and cheaper than running out quick to BUY a card in a pinch.

You can never have too many thank you notes.

Upon creating this set, I made it because I am going to actually need to send Thank You cards, hopefully on a regular basis!

Our daughter Amber recently received a 3 year modeling contract, in which she hopes to persue modeling/acting. She is learning so much in the classes they are having her take right now, and is LOVING it. Her latest modeling shoot went amazing, and the photographer and several staff members complimented her on several areas! I was very proud of her!! Most were surprised she was only 6 😀 They said she was very photogenic, professional, patient, and did excellent in taking directions, and was very easy to work with. WOW!

Anyway, her classes are teaching her a so much, and she informed me (rightly so) that after she goes for an audition, it is important for her to send out a Thank You note, immediately following her audition for a shoot/role.

So I got to work on mass producing several Thank You notes, for me to keep on hand so I can send them out immediately. As you see, I made 12 right now, for times when I get really busy, and need to get them out! In the future I can just print and go, as I saved my designs for easy duplication in the future.

She will soon be in a play: Snow White, with the Hampstead Stage Company, in late July. Not sure what role she will play yet, but I needed to send a thank you note out to the company ASAP!

I think each collection is clean, and simple, yet professional.

I try to create simple understated notes that I would actually purchase in store if I were to see them. I think these certainly fit the bill 😀

Now let me share my project samples and some information about some of what we are releasing this month!

Be Dazzled!

I’m very excited to share this template and stamp set combination with you all!

I designed a stamp set that was designed with the jewelry maker in mind, or those who love to gift it!

The idea for this set came from a dear friend of mine Sonia, who makes and sells jewlery at Sonia Jung Designs! I have gotten many of her stunning creations from her store, and love to give them the proper presentation!

The stamp set is called Be Dazzled , and I will get to the details on that, following the template information.

The template is called For Keeps, and it offers a dual base option! So like another 2 for the price of 1!!

This base features alterable cut out options, that allow you to display your gifts of jewelry (handcrafted or store bought) such as earrings, necklaces, bracelets, anklets or even rings.

Alter the cut out options, as you see fit, to suit your gift!

The lid fits perfectly over the top of the base.

Due to the base angle, your items will fit inside perfectly.

You an display items on one, or BOTH sides of this base!

HOW FUN?!

The optional window allows you to put your gifts that dazzle, on display!

Here is a sample of this template, as seen above, ready for displaying a fabulous gift set:

Isn’t this stunning?

I wanted you to be able to see the printed window I created for the box window.

I designed my label on the box using the Be Dazzled Set. Once I created/layered my images, I then printed the label on my transparency sheet!!!

Yes! You can print (in color too!) on transparency sheets! I get mine at Target, and they are by Printworks.

Look how clear and crisp my image is. I will do one with full color at some point soon to show you how cool this can be!

Now onto the jewelry display…..

Here I am displaying a necklace and earring gift set.

The rest of the necklace hangs into the box base. The base open on the bottom, so you can easily manipulate everything.

The jewelry is displayed on an angled base, so that these items lay nicely against it, and really showcase the items displayed inside! It also allows your lid to slide over the top without getting stuck!

Now how cool it is that you can choose to design and display your gifts already packaged up, or remove the window so they can be surprised 😀 This is great for all of you out there her design/sell jewelry, especially at craft fairs! No more BORING jewelry boxes, that you already anticipate that there is jewelry in them before opening.

This is a far more fashionable, functional and FUN way to present such dazzling creations.

You can alter the cut outs to suit your project needs as well.

This base was altered to just hold earrings. The top is the same.

You can then use the lid with the stunning window cut out, to display your gifts beautifully

The window cut out was designed to coordinate with theBe DazzledPretty Impressions Stamp Set, and Be Dazzled Pretty Pieces Cut File. See the next project for details on that!

Have you longed for the perfect set of images to compliment and dress up your gifts that dazzle?

Then this is the set for you!

For all of you out there who make, sell, gift, or package handmade or even store bought jewelry, this is the set for you!

There are many sentiments in the set to help you describe exactly what you have gifted/created.

You can layer the sentiments and use them with the tag images in the set.

Sentiments Include:

Handcrafted

Handmade

Original

Made With:

100%

10 K

14 K

18 K

24 K

Gold

Sterling Silver

Filled

Plated

Semi-Precious

Crystals

Gemstones

Charm

Necklace

Bracelet

Earrings

Ring

Anklet

By:

&

,

To:

Love

One of a kind

You’re a Gem!

For a dazzling person

There are some floral images and 2 labels within the set.

Here is the close up view of the tag on one of my boxes:

Isn’t this stunning?

I love all flowers, and thought that this set could use a few flowers to accent the amazing set of sentiments.

I just created my tag, then colored it with my Copic Markers!

I used the same tag frame as in the transparency window project above, only on this one, I printed my floral label, adding the sentiment “For a dazzling person”, and cut it out using the Be DazzledPretty Pieces Cut File. The large label fits perfectly into the labels in the Be Dazzled Digital Stamp Set.

The large label has many uses, but was made to perfectly accent and decorate your boxed gifts.

The smaller tag (not shown here today) was made for you to label your gift item! It is perfectly sized to hang off your dazzling gift.

You may want to check out the amazing For Keeps Pretty Packaging Template (shown above), as that was created to fabulously feature your dazzling gifts of jewelry, or other items you wish to package.

Be sure you also check out the Be DazzledPretty Pieces Cut File, as it was designed to cut the 2 tags in this set.

This is a set of 2 tags, designed to coordinate with the tag images fromtheBe Dazzled Pretty Impressions Stamp Set. These 2 tags are perfect for all your paper crafting needs be it for adding to your cards, frames, scrapbook pages, gifts, and of course any of your Pretty Packaging creations!

Well that is a lot to take in, in one day, so please come back tomorrow for our July Release, where you will be able to see even more projects and get all the details on our latest release. There is another template to share, and lots more ideas, so see you tomorrow!

I am so happy to finally get to play along with the Pretty Pattern Sketch team, on time! LOL!

I’ve been quite busy wrapping up projects, and completing end of year teacher gifts, since tonight we will meet with our school staff at the Author’s Night. I will share those projects when the products I chose to use have been released 😀 For now it’s top secret 😀

Don’t the patterns really compliment eachother, and add to the sea like feel of it, despite the fact they AREN’T “sea” themed?

I printed and colored by mermaid using my Copic Markers. I also chose to adorn the corner with the O’mazing Oyster image, instead of the “bow” in the sketch. I love her to pieces.

Thanks for stopping by for a visit! I hope you enjoyed today’s sample and that you get some time to check out what the Pretty Pattern Sketch team has come up with! Maybe you will even play along with one of our fun challenges 😀

This is for the son of a family friend 😀 for his 4th birthday. I think he will like it.

I went with a fun, summery, boyish color palette, that I grabbed from my colors from the Under the Cabana paper collection. (SORRY! This paper collection won’t be released until August but I couldn’t resist using it)

I always find something to keep me busy, and my family definitely does that. I always have something going on, and when things slow down, I manage to find something else to pile on my plate!

Our recent addition to the schedule is something that has kept me VERY busy lately!

Amber has started modeling for a very reputable modeling agency in Boston Ma.

We have a 3 year contract as of right now (and yes we can get out if she doesn’t want to do it anymore-WHEW!). They have several agencies, and have represented some of the biggest names in the industry.

Now this isn’t like PAGEANTS! It’s totally different. You don’t get them glammed up, to look 21, put them in a ton of make-up, spray tan, froofy hair, and poofy dresses. They keep them natural looking and age appropriate! Nothing creepy.

I love how they tell the girls your schooling is first, and we don’t want you to think of this as a career, but a hobby. Much like taking dance classes, or playing soccer! You need to have a life goal for an actual career. Honestly the chance of becoming “big” is very minimal, so a career plan is great. So far Amber wants to be a veterinarian. That may change, but I am certainly encouraging that! She has said that the last 2+ years, so fingers crossed, that is a great goal.

As for the modeling, this is something Amber has wanted to do for some time now. She is photogenic, and loves getting in front of the camera. She is almost 7, so she is arriving at the perfect age to start in this industry, should she actually have a chance at doing something. The goal is to possibly allow her to do photo shoots for magazines, runway, ads, and possibly commercials or MAYBE act, in any capacity.

She is currently taking some classes that will hopefully help her break into the acting aspect of it, should an opportunity arise. If not, the classes are great in general because they are teaching her a lot about herself, how to interact with people, memorize lines (which can help in school), and project a positive image. She absolutely loves everything about this.

I’m surprised at how seriously she is taking this, given her age, but then again, she is an “old” 6 year old. I think our family dynamic has made Amber into being a mature, polite, self sufficient, responsible, confident, care taking, and loving girl. She always strives to do her best at everything, and this is no different.

She had her first photo shoot last week!

CLICK EACH PHOTO TO VIEW (this is the gallery option for my blog)

Out these photos, they will only pick 2 ! CRAZY!

Her next shoot is in 2 weeks.

I’m very proud of her 😀

I am especially proud that she is always well behaved (especially in this situation – as its very important), polite and patient. We have a long drive and even longer waits for meetings, photos etc. It’s not all always fun, but I’m always proud to introduce her to people because she is so good about all of it. She always speaks clearly, makes eye contact, and thanks the people involved for their time. It’s cool to see your children actually put into practice, what you teach them at home. Amber is actually kinda shy, although she does well interacting with others. Not so shy that she wouldn’t talk, just a little shy, and quiet. I am the polar opposite, being extremely outgoing. My son Noah is much more like me personality. We can’t go anywhere without him talking to someone and making a ton of friends instantly. Alexa is so shy its scary! She is often mute in public! We have been trying to work on that for some time, and she is getting much better 😀

As for her photo shoot she was VERY nervous! I didn’t expect her to get so nervous. The photographer actually had to tell her to breath! LOL! You could tell she was nervous, this being her first time in front of a professional team, in a huge room of people, with large lights, and a big camera in her face, with various people telling her what to do. The photographer having a heavy French accent. By the end of the shoot, she got more comfortable, and started really enjoying it, and switching from serious to smiling, from this position to that.

As time goes on she will get more comfortable. Right now we are working on exposing her to the camera and getting her portfolio built up. She has her first runway show in October, unless something comes up before hand, so she is preparing for that as well. By that time she will have her photo portfolio complete, along with a video profile for the agency. That is also where the classes come in! It will really help her with that. I guess with the Internet being what it is they do a lot with that, and given her age, they want photos updated monthly. Thankfully we don’t have to pay for them! LOL!! It will be cool to see her grow and change over the next 3 years, having a professionally documented photo album. I love too, that I can print, post and do what I want/need with the agency photos. The photographer signs a waiver to us that allows us to make prints etc. Very cool.

Anyway, this is a big part of what we are doing right now. It feels nice to divide some of my time to the baby of the family. When Alexa got Leukemia, Amber had just turned one, and I was away in the hospital for 9 months, and even then after that much time has been dedicated to Alexa. I think Amber enjoys the time she and I are spending as we do the photo shoots, meetings, classes and whatever else may come. So this help alleviate some of my guilt, not being in two places at once!

Now speaking of Alexa…she just had her port-a-cath removed, and celebrates her 4th year in remission!! Now we only need to see the doctors every 6 months. Amazing! I promise that I will do my best to get some photos of her as soon as we have a nice sunny day! What can I say…she is 11! I’ve tried getting her photos the last 2 months and she gives me TOTAL attitude! She’d rather keep drawing, writing, reading and playing on her laptop! I’m a little freaked because she’s started with her yearly bout of congestion, that starts late Spring, then turns to pneumonia in the fall, despite everything we try to do. Last September she ended up in the ICU for 2 weeks. That was by far the scariest time I’ve ever had with her, heat surgery, Croup, Cancer and all! So I’m praying that encouraging her coughing will curb this.

My mom had her surgery, to remove her tumor, and is recovering well, but not as quickly as she would like. It’s been a very long year and a half for her. She still has 4 months left of Chemo. Her divorce is coming up at month’s end, and her soon to be ex-husbands attempted murder trail is in July. I of course will be there for her through all of it, so that will be a little crazy, as the drive is about 2 1/2 hours ONE WAY. Its so emotionally and physically draining. There is so much on her plate, and I try to unload it, but there isn’t much I can do about the emotional toll things are taking on her other that to be here for her and listen.

Um, what else…Noah, he is great! He can’t wait to end the school year, and start up Soccer. He SOOOOOO tall it’s insane. He is literally the height of most 13 year olds, based on the growth chart, from what the doctor says. They expect him to be at least 6’5. He’s been picking me daisies, and writing me notes,then leaving them under my pillow at night! So sweet. (minus a bug of two from the flower-EW!)

Hubby-he is good. I have the best, most supportive husband/father. He is hard at work on the house,landscaping and getting a patio done so we can have a family/friend BBQ 4th of July or during Annual Balloon Rally 😀 As for Amber, he was initially not on board, but then seeing the agency is legit, and how much Amber wanted to do this, he is OK with it. He was actually proud too when he saw how well she conducted herself amongst adults.

Anyway, that is it, in a nutshell. I just wanted to get on here and tell you all what I’m up to these days, aside from WORK, and creating. I feel like I go from one release to the next, and don’t want to forget about the time I’ve spent just sharing and connecting with other here in this amazing cyberland of friends (and real one of course).

So I hope you are all enjoying the start of Summer. I would love to hear something that is going on in your life now if you want to share!

We are very happy and excited when our customers choose to feature our products in their publication submissions 😀 Our coordinating products make is easier for many of you who are trying to fit specific calls for products 😀

Last month we said goodbye to a dear design team member Pam Imholz :C She was with me from the beginnning and she will be greatly missed by myself and the team, but we wish her well on her endevours. Now on our team is the amazingly talented Kathryn Berthiaume, whom I failed to give proper acknowledgement! She’s been a guest on our team before, and is part of our Pretty Pattern Sketch team so I forgot she was NEW! to the MTME team! I feel like she’s been with uis all this time. So my apologies for my oversight of both these amazing women! The last 5 months or so I’ve been caring my mom (and kids), so my family life had me in a bit of a tailspin.

I love the papers Sara designed in coordination with her set Night at the Movies set. I used both of her collections to create this super simple card. I love letting the paper become the important part of my project details.

I love customizing the movie clipboard to suit my occasion. It is one of the funnest things I did using this latest release. Having this option for digital images is really too fun.

The stripe pattern and these tickets are my FAVORITE! They look stellar together.

Lights, Camera, Action!

Here I used the same paper combination of paper, but scaled the ticket paper to be smaller. I cut out 2 of the tickets from the paper, to add to my card.

I hand colored the popcorn bag, but had digitally colored the pop corn flag on the bag first. The camera was printed, punched, and added to a paperclip that I customized.

Now that you’ve seen some of the latest additions let me get to my project!

As you know I’m all about coordination. That is what brought me into the paper-crafting world in the first place. First it was creating cards to match my gift wrap I had bought in the store, and then it turned into making my own gift wrap for my creative projects, from start to finish – 100% handmade! One thing turned into another and now I do what I love. The best part about that is that others love doing it too, and the feeling I see come over the people I gift these handmade gifts to makes it even better.

So for my next homemade gift!

Got Game? Gift Set

So this time my project is for my son Noah.

The NEW! Got Game? set was designed with him in mind. He is a HUGE video gamer. HUGE! He’s been playing since he was almost 3. Crazy, I know, but his daddy loves video games too! So as they say the apple doesn’t fall far.

So to package up one of the games on his list I created a gift box using the NEW! Disc-Covered Pretty Packaging Template.

Personally for me, the need for this particular packaging is what spurred the design of this template combination, intentionally making it a bit larger to suit other gifts ideas to offer some versatility.

I love the interlocking lid panels too, as that offers a fun way of presenting these gifts, in an unexpected way.

Now for my image, I hand colored it with my Copic markers. I always print my paper first, then color after to ensure a great match.

I love the opportunities that the digi images afford me. I can make them as big or small as I want. I can digitally color them, or hand color, I can flip them, remove parts I don’t want…like on my card!

Can you see I removed the stars from the background of my image, and my image is obviously smaller than the one that is on my NEW! Disc-Covered template.

So I added the highest score sentiment to the lower left corner, and added the score. I used a variety of numbers for Noah which is is coming age: 9 then his birthday 11-13-02. Just a fun way to add a “score”.

If you were making an invitation with this set the party date, address or childs age would be perfect there!

My Time Made Easy ™ LLC is the go to place for all your creative, coordinating gift packaging ideas! We offer more ideas monthly for your creative gift giving than most companies 😀

We have a wide arrangement of creative Pretty Packaging Templates, Stamps, Cut Files and Printable Paper that is designed for use for all crafting skill levels. Whether you are looking for a project for the kids, or are a seasoned crafter, you will love all our user friendly products.

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I had cut and layered the pattern panelsseparately so the pattern woulbe be exactly the same on all 4 pot sides.

Now for my “decor” I just kept it super simple by using the watering can image from the Tending The Garden set, then adding the tulip from the Sensational Stems set. The tulip is my favorite, as that is my favorite flower.